Muskegon County to compile local companies for possible work on wind farm

MUSKEGON COUNTY — Local suppliers, manufacturers and companies interested in working on a local wind-energy project are being sought by Muskegon County officials for consideration.

As part of a request for proposals from utility-sized wind-energy developers, county officials and wastewater staff are encouraging those potential developers to consider using local companies as part of the anticipated $250 million to $350 million project on the county’s wastewater site.

County leaders have made requests to their hired consultant, Howard & Howard, to give “special consideration to proposals received from developers who intend to use local supplies and services,” said Rodger Kershner, who leads Howard & Howard’s energy and utilities practice.

Suppliers and manufacturers that wish to be considered for the project should register with the county’s existing vendor registration system. The registration form can be accessed at http://co.muskegon.mi.us/financeandmgt/vendor_register.htm and questions can be addressed to the county’s purchasing department at 724-6281.

“It’s best that we keep potential vendors in one centralized location,” said Mark Eisenbarth, the county’s wastewater department director. “That way, when developers investigate local sources, we can provide consistent information.”

Wastewater department staff expect proposals from interested wind developers to be submitted in May. County officials suggest that interested companies register soon if they are not already registered, so a complete vendor list is available for developers to consider for their proposals.

L-3 Combat Propulsion Systems, a defense contractor with a Muskegon plant, already has shown interest in being part of the project. L-3, which is making a push into the commercial alternative-energy market, made a presentation to county officials in October about the company’s hope to be involved in the project.

L-3 is working on a plan to make a magnetic-based generator for wind turbines.